Afghanistan and Ireland: Cricket's Modern Test Nations
Afghanistan and Ireland received Test status in 2017, the first new Test nations in 17 years. This guide covers the remarkable journeys of both nations to the game's highest level.
In June 2017, the ICC granted Full Member status and Test cricket eligibility to both Afghanistan and Ireland — the first new Test nations since Zimbabwe and Bangladesh in 1992 and 2000 respectively. The decision recognised both nations' development as competitive international sides and their significant grassroots cricket growth over the previous decade.
Afghanistan's Rise
Afghanistan's cricket development is one of sport's most extraordinary stories. Cricket grew in refugee camps in Pakistan during the Soviet occupation and subsequent civil conflicts of the 1980s and 1990s. Returning refugees brought cricket back to Afghanistan; the sport grew rapidly after 2001. Afghanistan joined the ICC Associate program, won the ICC World Cricket League Division Five in 2006, and rose through the associate levels to Full Member status in 11 years. Rashid Khan — one of T20 cricket's most effective bowlers — emerged from this program to become an IPL star.
Ireland's Cricket Journey
Ireland's cricket heritage goes back to the 19th century — it is one of the oldest Associate cricket nations. Ireland's rise to Test status was driven by competitive performances in ICC events: defeating Pakistan in the 2007 World Cup (one of cricket's biggest upsets), reaching the Super Eights, and consistent performance in ICC Trophy events. Kevin O'Brien's 113 off 63 balls against England in the 2011 World Cup remains the fastest century in World Cup history. Ireland played their first Test in 2018 against Pakistan at Malahide.
Both Nations in T20 World Cups
Afghanistan and Ireland have both competed in ICC T20 World Cups, with Afghanistan being particularly successful. Afghanistan reached the T20 World Cup semi-finals in 2024 — defeating Australia and Bangladesh in the group stage and beating Bangladesh in the Super 8s — before losing to South Africa in the semi-final. Ireland have qualified for multiple T20 World Cups and produced competitive performances against major nations in the shortest format.
Frequently asked questions
Where does Afghanistan play home Test cricket?
Afghanistan has played home Tests at neutral venues, primarily in India and the UAE, due to the security situation in Afghanistan making international cricket hosting difficult. Greater Noida in India has hosted Afghanistan home Tests. As of 2026, direct hosting of international cricket in Afghanistan remains challenging.
How many Test nations are there in cricket?
There are 12 Full Member ICC nations with Test status: England, Australia, India, Pakistan, West Indies, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Ireland. Zimbabwe temporarily relinquished Test status in 2005 but regained it in 2011. The ICC continues to monitor Associate nations for possible Full Member elevation.